Austin, Texas is home to so many beautiful, and unique, wedding venues. As an Austin Wedding Photographer, I often get asked by my newly engaged couples where the best Austin wedding venues are.  I have shot dozens and dozens of weddings here in Austin, so I know the venues well! For this list, I have chosen my favorite venues in Downtown Austin, and around the city. From modern hotels, to Italian-inspired estates, this list has it all.

If you are looking to have a wedding in the Texas Hill Country, make sure to check out my second blog post, with the top Austin and Texas Hill Country Venues!

 

Barr Mansion

Barr Mansion is one of the most popular wedding venues here in Austin, and it is no surprise why! This scenic space has over 29,000 acres of land, an iconic glass barn, and a historic mansion. Barr Mansion also offers its own catering team, that focuses on food that is as good as it looks. They focus on organic and locally made ingredients and work to customize their menu just for you.

The Victorian mansion was built in 1898, and is often used for the wedding party to get ready in. It has beautiful light, and two stories of wrap-around porches, for plenty of bridal portrait options. You can also use the mansion as the backdrop for the cocktail hour, or ceremony.

The unique Artisan Ballroom is a reclaimed 18th century Dutch Barn from New York, that has been lovingly resurrected and renewed. It features a mix of old and new, with a modern glass facade, and rustic elements inside. Barr Mansion is a photographer’s dream space for receptions!

Their newest space is The Farmstead, a covered pavilion featuring local wood and farm tables. It is a perfect open-air space, that works well for cocktail hour and reception. There are also large barn doors that close in the winter, to keep out the cold. Barr Mansion really has it all!

Prospect House

Prospect House is a modern event space, that features striking architecture against a country landscape. This gorgeous space was designed by award-winning Texas architect Max Levy, with the landscaping restored by Ten Eyck Landscape Architects. It sits on 20 acres of private land, with both indoor and outdoor spaces available

The Main Hall has 3,000 sf, and is the perfect reception backdrop. The white walls, floor, and ceiling allows for plenty of light, and can be decorated in any style. It includes built-in banquet seating, and can accommodate up to 220 people. Another ceremony option is the Breezeway, which is a covered and screened-in hall that looks out onto the grounds. It can serve as one large space, or broken up into spaces for a cocktail hour, or a ceremony.

One of the most iconic spots on the grounds is the Little Tree space, twhichfeatures mature live oaks, and an old dry-stacked wall. You can also choose to have your ceremony on the lawn, that overlooks the native prairie. It gives a clean backdrop for any ceremony set up, from an intricate archway, to a simple alter.

The Four Seasons Austin

The Four Seasons in Austin is located in the heart of downtown Austin. This location is perfect for destination weddings, or weddings with a lot of out-of-town guests. The hotel offers multiple spaces, including their lawn for outdoor weddings, and ballrooms. The Four Seasons has three outdoor spaces, including one with a view of the famous Lady Bird Lake.

If you are having a church ceremony, the Four Seasons offer multiple spaces for a gorgeous reception. The main ballroom can house up to 1000 guests, while the smaller San Jacinto Ballroom is more intimate and can house 180. The main ballroom also overlooks Lady Bird Lake, which makes a stunning view in the evening hours.

Looking for more inspiration at The Four Seasons Austin? Make sure to check out Shivani and Jeffrey’s multicultural wedding!

 

Mattie’s at Green Pastures

Garden party-inspired weddings are always popular, and Mattie’s at Green Pastures is the perfect spot! Tucked in the heart of South Austin, Mattie’s gives you the feeling of a secluded garden, but the convince of being downtown. Mattie’s is also focused on sustainable and eco-friendly catering, with locally sourced ingredients, and customizable menus that all of your guests will love.

If you are looking for an intimate reception, the Lounge Room is a beautiful space with original hardwood floors and wooden accents and can accommodate 32 guests. Or, if you prefer an outdoor space, you can tent their outdoor lawn, for a beautiful evening reception under cafe lights.

Hotel Ella

Hotel Ella is quickly becoming one of my favorite spots in Downtown Austin! This stylish boutique hotel is in the historic Goodall Wooten House, one of Austin’s original estates. This venue’s history is rooted in weddings! It was built as a wedding gift from Goodall Wooten to his bride, Ella Newsome. The hotel has been renovated to highlight the historic 1900’s home, with modern art and contemporary design.

My favorite area is their large lawn, which is perfect for ceremonies, and intimate receptions. You can also buy out the property and have guests stay right on site! They also have indoor options, for those hot Austin summers.

Commodore Perry Estate

Commodore Perry Estate is one of the newest venues in Austin, opening summer of 2020. Set in the heart of Downtown Austin, Texas, this venue whisks you away to an Italian villa. This is perfect for couples who want an elegant outdoor wedding, at one of the finest estates and hotels in Austin.

The perfectly designed gardens are a beautiful backdrop for portraits and are designed to feel like a garden in Florence. There are multiple options for weddings, so you can select whichever fits your vision! Their chapel is a restored building, with stained glass windows and high vaulted ceilings. It makes a beautiful venue, or a cocktail hour space if you decide to host the reception outdoors.

The Mansion is another beautiful backdrop and is a beautiful ceremony spot. For more intimate weddings, you can have guests eat dinner on the Mansion expansive back deck. It also makes a great mini-moon spot, so you can spend a few days after your wedding and relax!

WEDDING VENUES IN Downtown AUSTIN

As you start to search for the perfect venue in Downtown Austin, make sure to refer to this list! As a wedding photographer right here in Austin, I have shot at countless venues and can help you find the perfect spot for your wedding day. And if you are looking for some options in the Texas Hill Country, make sure to check out my blog post on those venues, here!